Listen Up, Lee DeWyze! Do NOT Make U2's 'Beautiful Day' Your First Single!

This seasonof American Idol was bad enough! Do we have to end it with yet another blunder?

When Ryan Seacrest announced that Lee DeWyze‘s first single (if he wins tonight) will be U2‘s “Beautiful Day,” my jaw hit the floor — and my disgust only grew stronger after hearing Lee perform it. In the past, Idol winners have released an original song as their first single, one written specifically for them. And while they’re historically pretty cheesy (last year’s “No Boundaries” was especially cheese-tastic) at least they were original. Just so we’re clear, the world does NOT need a cover of “Beautiful Day,” especially this soon… and especially this bad.

Now, don’t get me wrong — I understand the show’s reasoning behind this decision. Covers performed by the Idol contestants throughout the competition consistently sell well on iTunes, whereas the previous “winning” songs like “No Boundaries” weren’t exactly radio hits. But the whole point of crowning an Idol winner is to introduce the world to a new artist… NOT another karaoke performer.

Crystal Bowersox‘s cover of Patty Griffin‘s “Up to the Mountain” may not be as commercial as U2’s “Beautiful Day,” but at least it’s older and less recognizable! Why mess with a good song?

What do you think, readers? Are you also outraged that Idol would consider releasing “Beautiful Day” as Lee’s first single, or am I wearing my crazy pants today? Sound off with your comments below!